Volume One, Chapter 48: How Much Do You Like Your Boyfriend?

Qin Xiang's head hung slightly, the noble air that once clung to him had vanished at some indiscernible moment. All that remained was a sense of utter defeat.

Yan Kejia, thinking he was burdened by some trouble, grew agitated in her tone, especially after her recent humiliation.

“Qin Xiang, whatever it is, you can tell me.”

Qin Xiang looked at her and shook his head. How could he possibly say it, especially in front of so many people?

Lin Hua, feigning concern, spoke up, seemingly on Kejia’s behalf. “That's right, Young Master Qin. You’re the heir of the Qin family, and even if Kejia can’t help you much, she can at least listen and support you emotionally.”

Mu Shaozhou glanced at Qin Xiang and said blandly, “The heir of the Qin family isn’t named Qin Xiang.” With that, he turned and left the private room with Yu Mo.

Fu Yanting ignored the astonishment of the others and simply followed them out.

Qin Xiang lowered his head and spoke in a subdued voice, “Kejia, I’m sorry. Actually, I’m not the young master of the Qin family.”

Yan Kejia was stunned. “Then who are you? Why did you pretend to be the Qin family’s young master?”

“I’m just the son of the Qin family’s chauffeur. My real name is Qin Xiang. Because my surname is also Qin, the old master favored me. The cars I drove to pick you up were all the Qin family’s…”

“Aaah! You actually lied to me! Qin Xiang, you liar!” Yan Kejia shrieked and lunged at him, only to be held back by the others in the room.

No matter what, they couldn’t let this turn deadly.

Someone had already called the police.

Outside the hotel, Fu Yanting strode quickly and blocked Mu Shaozhou and Yu Mo.

“Mu Shaozhou, where are you taking her?”

Yu Mo had been drinking and was somewhat tipsy. Now, with this man taking her away, it was obvious what might happen.

“I’m taking her home,” Mu Shaozhou replied coldly, unmoved by Fu Yanting’s challenge. He was only slightly taller than Fu Yanting, yet his presence made him seem a head higher, exuding an oppressive dominance.

Mu Shaozhou lowered his eyelids, his smooth jawline lifting ever so slightly, his tone calm as a still lake. “Get lost.”

He’d considered teaching this man, who had abandoned Yu Mo, a lesson. But if not for this man’s carelessness, his failure to cherish her, Mu Shaozhou would never even have had the chance to stand by her side.

Yu Mo, her fingers entwined with Mu Shaozhou’s, was thoroughly exasperated by Fu Yanting’s persistence and simply wanted him gone.

“Fu Yanting, you’ve clearly had too much to drink tonight. If you have the time, you’d be better off seeing a doctor. Haven’t you noticed your beard isn’t as obvious as before?”

Fu Yanting was taken aback. Suddenly, he remembered that lately, when shaving in the morning, his beard had become softer and grew more slowly than before.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing at all.” Yu Mo slipped her arm into Mu Shaozhou’s, speaking intimately, “Let’s go, take me home.”

“All right.” Mu Shaozhou’s tone was indifferent, but being held by her lifted his spirits, and he didn’t even notice the smile tugging at his lips.

Once Fu Yanting had left, Yu Mo immediately released Mu Shaozhou’s arm and distanced herself from him, her tone now cold and detached.

“Mu Shaozhou, thank you for tonight. Goodbye.”

With that, she turned to leave, but her wrist was seized in a firm grip, and she was pulled back into his embrace.

Mu Shaozhou’s previously good mood was shattered by Yu Mo’s easy dismissal. His jaw clenched, betraying his displeasure.

“You’ve been drinking. You can’t drive.”

“I’ll call a driver.”

“You’re a woman. It’s not safe to call a driver. I’ll take you.”

Without further argument, Mu Shaozhou bundled her into the car, got in himself, shut the door, and locked it—so even from inside, she couldn’t open it.

They drove in silence.

As they neared Yu Mo’s apartment, Mu Shaozhou gripped the steering wheel tightly. His pale lips parted.

“Have you thought about what I said last time at Emerald Residence?”

Yu Mo recalled his confession, then also thought of the debauchery she’d witnessed that day. She answered without hesitation, “I’m sorry, I can’t accept you.”

“Oh? You have a boyfriend?”

“That’s right.” No sooner had she spoken than the image of that charming young man flashed through her mind—his face, his irresistible charm.

“All right, then.”

Mu Shaozhou was disappointed, but a glimmer of hope remained. “Can you tell me about your boyfriend? How much do you like him?”

“Very much, very much.” Yu Mo replied perfunctorily, bemused by Mu Shaozhou’s sudden interest in her love life. Was he always this nosy? Clearly, appearances could be deceiving.

Mu Shaozhou’s lips curved into a smile, and behind his dark golden mask, his sharp eyes glinted with a touch of delight.

The car stopped outside Yu Mo’s apartment. His deep gaze followed her every movement. Only when her slender figure finally disappeared from sight did he reluctantly look away.

He took out another phone, and with long fingers, typed a few words into Yu Mo’s chat window.

Mu Yu: [Baby, I miss you. Will you come see me tonight?]

Yu Mo’s reply came quickly.

Mo Bao: [Sweetheart, I’m tired today. I’ll come see you tomorrow, wait for me. /blowing kiss]

Mu Yu: [Okay. /blowing kiss]

He put the phone back in his pocket, glanced once more toward Yu Mo’s apartment, and let her rest for the night.

After a shower, Yu Mo received a call from Chu Xirui.

“Mo Mo, where are you? Weren’t you going to let me pick you up?”

Yu Mo, towel in hand, smacked her forehead lightly. “I forgot. Sorry, Mu Shaozhou gave me a ride back.”

“That degenerate playboy?”

“Mm.”

Yu Mo recounted how she’d turned down Mu Shaozhou’s confession.

“Good for you! That’s exactly what you should do. Don’t waste time on men like him.”

Before Yu Mo could say more, another call came in. She hung up on Chu Xirui and answered.

A steady male voice spoke on the other end. “Sorry to disturb you. Is this Miss Yu? I’m Mr. Zhuang’s assistant, and I’d like to invite you to treat Mr. Zhuang’s illness.”